“Statewide burn ban in effect.” You’ve heard it in the news and you’ve seen it on road signs all around Texas. But, Mike Charlton, Ph.D., assistant vice president for risk management and safety at the Health Science Center, reminds our Health Science Center community that this is a serious matter that should not be ignored.
“The state puts a burn ban into place to reduce the ignition of sources outdoors,” Dr. Charlton said. “Burn bans are somewhat typical in the dry, hot summer months; so, the ban in effect right now is a bit unusual for this time of year. But due to high winds and low humidity, it’s imperative that we pay attention to the ban.”
Brush fires swept through more than 100 acres in northeast Bexar County last week and for hours, hundreds of firefighters struggled to keep the flames under control. Although no one was killed, Dr. Charlton said this should elevate our awareness, especially since it happened in Bexar County.
“People watch reports of fires on the news, but it doesn’t become so real until it happens to you or near you,” Dr. Charlton said. “There are several of steps that we can take to avoid fires.”
Dr. Charlton and the department of environmental health and safety have compiled a list of tips from the Fire Marshall. Following these tips will help not only at the Health Science Center, but at homes, as well.
• Smoke only in safe areas away from combustible material or dry vegetation and dispose of smoking material properly.
Reminder: Smoking is prohibited on all Health Science Center properties. • Do not use fireworks. Turn in all unused fire works at your local fire department.
• Make sure all outdoor equipment, including tractors, chainsaws, off road vehicles, etc. are equipped with properly working mufflers.
• Water your outside property periodically.
• No outdoor burning. Postpone outdoor burning until your area greens up and until any bans on burning have been lifted.
• No campfires.
• Avoid driving or parking vehicles in grassy areas where tall dry grass comes into contact with hot pollution control equipment under your vehicle.
• Red flags at fire departments and courthouses have been established as a recognizable image to signal the public to stop outdoor burning.
• If you see an outdoor fire, immediately call 911 or (210) 567-2800. Rapid emergency response has been shown to save lives and property.
Millions of acres across Texas have already been affected by extreme fires. But, Dr. Charlton says: “Recognizing that we have a problem is step one. By following these safety tips, land, materials and lives can be saved.”
More information can be found at:
txforestservice.tamu.edu/.
